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Second Shot
What do you do when former college sweethearts have a very public meltdown at a Pro-Am golf tournament? Get the popcorn, sit back, and enjoy the show.
Growing up in the heart of Scotland, Mhairi Dorne was surrounded by golf. From the very first time she swung a club, she knew exactly what she wanted to do with her life—play professional golf. Now, one of the tour's most successful players, Mhairi has achieved her ambition and her life is perfect. Well, it was perfect. That was until her sponsor forces her to play in a Pro-Am golf tournament with the only man she’s ever loved.
A man she hasn’t seen in twelve years.
A man who still drives her crazy.
In his twenties, Joel Tremblay was a Canadian hockey legend, a Stanley Cup winner, and an Olympic gold medal-winning national treasure. But as the hard years on the rink catch up with him, and NHL teams refuse to pick up his contact, Joel moves to Scotland to play professional hockey in the EIHL. Looking to keep busy in the off-season, Joel agrees to play in a Pro-Am golf tournament. When he meets his partner, he realises that a round of golf might prove to be even more bruising than anything he’s ever experienced on the ice.
Stuck together, will Joel and Mhairi find a way to play through their past heartbreak, or will they let their emotions swing wildly out of control?
Second Shot is a steamy second chance sports rom-com novella set in Scotland. This is the second book in the Playing a Round Series but can be read on its own as a standalone.
Growing up in the heart of Scotland, Mhairi Dorne was surrounded by golf. From the very first time she swung a club, she knew exactly what she wanted to do with her life—play professional golf. Now, one of the tour's most successful players, Mhairi has achieved her ambition and her life is perfect. Well, it was perfect. That was until her sponsor forces her to play in a Pro-Am golf tournament with the only man she’s ever loved.
A man she hasn’t seen in twelve years.
A man who still drives her crazy.
In his twenties, Joel Tremblay was a Canadian hockey legend, a Stanley Cup winner, and an Olympic gold medal-winning national treasure. But as the hard years on the rink catch up with him, and NHL teams refuse to pick up his contact, Joel moves to Scotland to play professional hockey in the EIHL. Looking to keep busy in the off-season, Joel agrees to play in a Pro-Am golf tournament. When he meets his partner, he realises that a round of golf might prove to be even more bruising than anything he’s ever experienced on the ice.
Stuck together, will Joel and Mhairi find a way to play through their past heartbreak, or will they let their emotions swing wildly out of control?
Second Shot is a steamy second chance sports rom-com novella set in Scotland. This is the second book in the Playing a Round Series but can be read on its own as a standalone.
221 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 27, 2024
1 person is currently reading
13 people want to read
About the author
Veronica Peartree
5 books15 followersVeronica Peartree writes contemporary British romances and romcoms with the perfect blend of plot twists and sexy scenes. Her books feature well-developed, complex characters who often face daunting challenges. And you can guarantee a happily ever after with every read!
If you love a workplace romance, forced proximity, and plenty of steam and spice in your romances and romcoms, then you’ll love Veronica’s books.
She lives in the North East of England with her husband and four children. In between writing, Veronica spends her time doing school runs, drinking endless cups of tea, and staring out of windowpanes splattered with raindrops (it rains a lot!).
Look for Veronica’s new series of sports romcoms set in Scotland starting with MAKING THE CUT (Jun 2024), followed by SECOND SHOT (coming Sept 2024).
Veronica also writes a forbidden love workplace romance series, Professors of Castle Eden University, set in a fictional Northern English market town. Book 1, The English Professor features a repressed hero, Jack, and the quietly adventurous Leyna who works as an admin assistant in the English Department. Veronica is currently writing Book 2, The Rogue Professor, where a one-night stand turns into two strangers (Dalton and Eliana) becoming work colleagues. Their time is split between the university, the Castle Museum, and his ancestral home in the wild Northumbrian countryside.
You can also find Veronica on social media (probably in this order):
Instagram: @veronica_peartree
TikTok: @veronica_peartree
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/VeronicaPeart...
Sign up for Veronica's newsletter via her website: https://www.veronicapeartree.com/
If you love a workplace romance, forced proximity, and plenty of steam and spice in your romances and romcoms, then you’ll love Veronica’s books.
She lives in the North East of England with her husband and four children. In between writing, Veronica spends her time doing school runs, drinking endless cups of tea, and staring out of windowpanes splattered with raindrops (it rains a lot!).
Look for Veronica’s new series of sports romcoms set in Scotland starting with MAKING THE CUT (Jun 2024), followed by SECOND SHOT (coming Sept 2024).
Veronica also writes a forbidden love workplace romance series, Professors of Castle Eden University, set in a fictional Northern English market town. Book 1, The English Professor features a repressed hero, Jack, and the quietly adventurous Leyna who works as an admin assistant in the English Department. Veronica is currently writing Book 2, The Rogue Professor, where a one-night stand turns into two strangers (Dalton and Eliana) becoming work colleagues. Their time is split between the university, the Castle Museum, and his ancestral home in the wild Northumbrian countryside.
You can also find Veronica on social media (probably in this order):
Instagram: @veronica_peartree
TikTok: @veronica_peartree
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/VeronicaPeart...
Sign up for Veronica's newsletter via her website: https://www.veronicapeartree.com/
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
February 25, 2025
This second chance story is quite entertaining.
It is easy to read and connect with these characters, and I loved their chemistry and sassy, snippy banter.
Joel fell hard for Mhairi in college, and he was done. Unfortunately he misread the situation between them when he took advantage of a hockey opportunity, and frustrating miscommunication had the hurt setting in hard.
Mhairi doesn't need to show off on the course, she has a lot of expertise and wins in her past, but Joel gets into her head and everything falls apart. The way they battled it out on the golf course, (paired together by their PR company for a charity event) was seriously funny, and I enjoyed the journey they took to get the HEA.
My fingers flipped the pages easily, and I really appreciated how things resolved for everyone. While you could read this as a stand-alone, I would recommend reading in order for the best experience.
I can't wait for the next one in this series.
It is easy to read and connect with these characters, and I loved their chemistry and sassy, snippy banter.
Joel fell hard for Mhairi in college, and he was done. Unfortunately he misread the situation between them when he took advantage of a hockey opportunity, and frustrating miscommunication had the hurt setting in hard.
Mhairi doesn't need to show off on the course, she has a lot of expertise and wins in her past, but Joel gets into her head and everything falls apart. The way they battled it out on the golf course, (paired together by their PR company for a charity event) was seriously funny, and I enjoyed the journey they took to get the HEA.
My fingers flipped the pages easily, and I really appreciated how things resolved for everyone. While you could read this as a stand-alone, I would recommend reading in order for the best experience.
I can't wait for the next one in this series.
September 26, 2024
4⭐️
3🌶️
I love when an author makes me actually enjoy a book with the second chance trope and flashbacks! Means it was a good freaking book!! Joel and Mhairi were so easy to love and root for! If you like second chance romance you will DEVOUR this book. If you're looking to expand your sports romance repertoire, look no further than this funny, golf romance, you will not be disappointed! It's a quick read that you won't be able to put down, and the spice is the cherry on top!
3🌶️
I love when an author makes me actually enjoy a book with the second chance trope and flashbacks! Means it was a good freaking book!! Joel and Mhairi were so easy to love and root for! If you like second chance romance you will DEVOUR this book. If you're looking to expand your sports romance repertoire, look no further than this funny, golf romance, you will not be disappointed! It's a quick read that you won't be able to put down, and the spice is the cherry on top!
October 2, 2024
This is the second book in the series and I must say, my favourite so far (I love book 1, don’t get me wrong).
Mhairi is a pro-golfer, who is forced to do a charity event with her ex boyfriend, Joel-who happens to be a hockey player.
I blooming gobbled up this book. I love a second chance romance and this hit the spot. Joel is just sweet and clearly still very much team Mhairi, even though she can’t stand him; their break up was hard on her. I found her to be incredibly funny and bonkers, and the part where they let the entire nation see their fall out was just hilarious.
Veronica writes a slow burn well, and I was itching for then to reconnect, and when they did, it was 🥵🥵
I cannot wait for book three with Joy-she’s going to be top tier, I am soooo excited.
🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
Mhairi is a pro-golfer, who is forced to do a charity event with her ex boyfriend, Joel-who happens to be a hockey player.
I blooming gobbled up this book. I love a second chance romance and this hit the spot. Joel is just sweet and clearly still very much team Mhairi, even though she can’t stand him; their break up was hard on her. I found her to be incredibly funny and bonkers, and the part where they let the entire nation see their fall out was just hilarious.
Veronica writes a slow burn well, and I was itching for then to reconnect, and when they did, it was 🥵🥵
I cannot wait for book three with Joy-she’s going to be top tier, I am soooo excited.
🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
June 11, 2025
An absolutely delightful escape! This story is sweet and funny and brings the drama and angst. There is fighting and spice mixed in with some misunderstandings. And it is set in Scotland which is just dreamy. Love!!
Mhairi is a successful pro golfer who is struggling with her identity and a loss of enthusiasm & passion for her sport.
Joel is a pro hockey player who used to be in the NHL and is now on a Scottish hockey team and dealing with growing older in a sport where youth is king.
Joel and Mhairi dated in college. It was big time love. Then they broke up. It was bigger time bad. Both are still in love with the other but haven't spoken in years and their past isn't public knowledge. They end up paired for a pro-am golfing tournament for charity because they are sponsored by the same company. It goes so badly and it is excellent. Their unhinged behaviour during that first day of the tournament is *chef's kiss*. Theirs is a difficult journey of forgiveness and gaining new perspective but it is oh so good!
Mhairi is still heartbroken over her ending with Joel but tries to hide it. She has quite a journey of learning to trust, forgiveness and allowing herself to grow. Joel has never stopped wanting Mhairi and is ecstatic to see her again but he has to face some hard truths from the past and their breakup and take some responsibility he didn't realize was his before. They are both likeable & interesting characters and watching them grow and falter and banter and learn is so fun & beautiful.
I loved the dual perspective and how the past was woven in with the present. And there is something about Veronica's writing that is so warm & cozy. My brain really likes the flow of her stories and the quirky details & characters she incorporates.
Highly recommend!!
Mhairi is a successful pro golfer who is struggling with her identity and a loss of enthusiasm & passion for her sport.
Joel is a pro hockey player who used to be in the NHL and is now on a Scottish hockey team and dealing with growing older in a sport where youth is king.
Joel and Mhairi dated in college. It was big time love. Then they broke up. It was bigger time bad. Both are still in love with the other but haven't spoken in years and their past isn't public knowledge. They end up paired for a pro-am golfing tournament for charity because they are sponsored by the same company. It goes so badly and it is excellent. Their unhinged behaviour during that first day of the tournament is *chef's kiss*. Theirs is a difficult journey of forgiveness and gaining new perspective but it is oh so good!
Mhairi is still heartbroken over her ending with Joel but tries to hide it. She has quite a journey of learning to trust, forgiveness and allowing herself to grow. Joel has never stopped wanting Mhairi and is ecstatic to see her again but he has to face some hard truths from the past and their breakup and take some responsibility he didn't realize was his before. They are both likeable & interesting characters and watching them grow and falter and banter and learn is so fun & beautiful.
I loved the dual perspective and how the past was woven in with the present. And there is something about Veronica's writing that is so warm & cozy. My brain really likes the flow of her stories and the quirky details & characters she incorporates.
Highly recommend!!
September 29, 2024
Irn Bru kisses from a Canadian hockey player. What could be sweeter?
Second Shot by Veronica Peartree has so many things that I have a soft spot for: Scotland, second chance romance, Canadian men. It’s such a sweet and fun read with a delicious drizzle of spice. Like maple syrup on haggis. Ok, maybe there are better similes but you get the idea.
Mhairi, the FMC is a fabulous protagonist. She’s strong, feisty, funny and she’s at the top of her game in golf. There is so much to love about her. And it’s easy to see why Joel regrets letting her go.
And Joel. Well, I don’t know exactly how but he was hot before he even appeared on the page. I loved the chemistry between him and Mhairi and their backstory was entirely credible with just enough flashbacks to fill us in without yanking us out of the present. I don’t want to give any spoilers but a couple of the things Joel did to remember Mhairi in their time apart were just beautiful and made my heart spin. I was dying to see him get his woman back.
There were so many funny moments scattered through the story (I especially loved the Batman exchange) which added a lovely humour to proceedings.
The author also took us on a scenic journey through the Highlands of Scotland from Gleneagles to Rannoch Moor. I am now craving a trip to the white sands of Dornoch and a stay at Skibo Castle.
Second Shot is a book you’re going to want to pick up if you’re looking for a lighthearted read that gives you authentic Scotland, a smokin’ hockey player with a heart of gold, and hot mirror sex. I’d love to see a whole series with Scottish hockey players from this author. I think she could knock it out of the rink!
Second Shot by Veronica Peartree has so many things that I have a soft spot for: Scotland, second chance romance, Canadian men. It’s such a sweet and fun read with a delicious drizzle of spice. Like maple syrup on haggis. Ok, maybe there are better similes but you get the idea.
Mhairi, the FMC is a fabulous protagonist. She’s strong, feisty, funny and she’s at the top of her game in golf. There is so much to love about her. And it’s easy to see why Joel regrets letting her go.
And Joel. Well, I don’t know exactly how but he was hot before he even appeared on the page. I loved the chemistry between him and Mhairi and their backstory was entirely credible with just enough flashbacks to fill us in without yanking us out of the present. I don’t want to give any spoilers but a couple of the things Joel did to remember Mhairi in their time apart were just beautiful and made my heart spin. I was dying to see him get his woman back.
There were so many funny moments scattered through the story (I especially loved the Batman exchange) which added a lovely humour to proceedings.
The author also took us on a scenic journey through the Highlands of Scotland from Gleneagles to Rannoch Moor. I am now craving a trip to the white sands of Dornoch and a stay at Skibo Castle.
Second Shot is a book you’re going to want to pick up if you’re looking for a lighthearted read that gives you authentic Scotland, a smokin’ hockey player with a heart of gold, and hot mirror sex. I’d love to see a whole series with Scottish hockey players from this author. I think she could knock it out of the rink!
October 5, 2024
I absolutely loved this book OMG it was everything I love in a romance and it was just a novella I didn’t want it to end . I was so hooked and wanted to be inside this book. Veronica Peartree is definitely one of my fave new authors I’ve discovered this year and after book 1 which I loved but this book blew me away.
Joel & Mhairi their characters were so fun , sweet and emotional to read. Going from friends to lovers to enemies and lovers again what a roller coaster of emotions. Joel he was everything I 😍 his character and how he was with Mhairi from the moment they met in college and their relationship till the split 🤩.
Mhairi was so refreshing to read and she did have some insecurities and self doubts but I really enjoyed how she developed through the story and how she was with Joel as the book progresses. Her family definitely added to the story for me as well.
There was a lot of banter and comedy between them I laughed so so much at their antics and swooned just as much when things got spicy it was 😮💨🫠
“I am Batman” 😂🤣
✨Contemporary Romance
✨Open door spice
✨Sports romance Hockey / Professional Golf
✨Second Chance romance
✨Lovers to Enemies to Lovers
✨Soul mates
✨Set in Scotland
✨Dual POV
✨Dual timelines
This book is part 2 of a series but can be read as a stand-alone. Book 1 was Sooo good so I’ll def recommend checking that out as well and full review is on my page. Looking forward to book 3 out next year I can’t wait 🙌🏽
I received an ARC of this book . All reviews and comments are in my own words and of my own views and opinions
Joel & Mhairi their characters were so fun , sweet and emotional to read. Going from friends to lovers to enemies and lovers again what a roller coaster of emotions. Joel he was everything I 😍 his character and how he was with Mhairi from the moment they met in college and their relationship till the split 🤩.
Mhairi was so refreshing to read and she did have some insecurities and self doubts but I really enjoyed how she developed through the story and how she was with Joel as the book progresses. Her family definitely added to the story for me as well.
There was a lot of banter and comedy between them I laughed so so much at their antics and swooned just as much when things got spicy it was 😮💨🫠
“I am Batman” 😂🤣
✨Contemporary Romance
✨Open door spice
✨Sports romance Hockey / Professional Golf
✨Second Chance romance
✨Lovers to Enemies to Lovers
✨Soul mates
✨Set in Scotland
✨Dual POV
✨Dual timelines
This book is part 2 of a series but can be read as a stand-alone. Book 1 was Sooo good so I’ll def recommend checking that out as well and full review is on my page. Looking forward to book 3 out next year I can’t wait 🙌🏽
I received an ARC of this book . All reviews and comments are in my own words and of my own views and opinions
February 22, 2025
4.75 ⭐
Once again Veronica had captured the rom com vibe brilliantly in this book, there are some incredibly funny moments between the characters while still capturing the angst of their past heartbreak.
This is a second chance romance and flashes back to the past which I love so you can understand and experience it with them. The story is believable and people will relate to the miscommunication and assumptions that happen in this book, you really at times could feel the heartbreak that both characters felt. I am a huge hockey romance fan so loved that both golf and hockey are represented in this book, I loved the Pro-Am moment and the fact it went viral was so on point with the times we are currently in, I was crying laughing and loved how petty it was because we have all in our lives done petty things when emotions are heightened. Joel was an absolute swoony worthy dream of a main character, he was beautiful. This book was a really enjoyable easy short read and I can't recommend it enough.
Once again Veronica had captured the rom com vibe brilliantly in this book, there are some incredibly funny moments between the characters while still capturing the angst of their past heartbreak.
This is a second chance romance and flashes back to the past which I love so you can understand and experience it with them. The story is believable and people will relate to the miscommunication and assumptions that happen in this book, you really at times could feel the heartbreak that both characters felt. I am a huge hockey romance fan so loved that both golf and hockey are represented in this book, I loved the Pro-Am moment and the fact it went viral was so on point with the times we are currently in, I was crying laughing and loved how petty it was because we have all in our lives done petty things when emotions are heightened. Joel was an absolute swoony worthy dream of a main character, he was beautiful. This book was a really enjoyable easy short read and I can't recommend it enough.
October 18, 2024
I loved, loved, loved this second chance, sports romance!! Mhairi and Joel were so great together. The tension was amazing, they so obviously still had feelings for each other, and I was one-hundred percent rooting for them the entire time. There are some sweet tender moments between the two, lots of spice, and delightful humor. Just wait until you read the scene where they are supposed to be on the same team in a golf tournament, but they are pissed at each other…oh my god, crying from laughing!!! Don’t get me wrong, this book is steamy, but it’s also sweet in the sense that there were no awful things done in the past, just miscommunication and broken hearts, so you can enjoy this read without the stress of waiting for which past trauma might rise up and try to ruin them again. And I adored the ending! Great addition to the Playing a Round Series!
October 11, 2024
This is an entertaining, second chance, romance that grabs your attention from the beginning and hold it to the end. The storyline is intriguing as the elements unfold. The characters have magnetic chemistry that propels their relationship forward. I enjoyed this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 6, 2024
I love these sports romances set against the backdrop of beautiful Scotland. I enjoyed the history which Mhairi and Joel shared and the way the layers of their story were slowly peeled back. The chemistry between the characters flew off the pages making it another page-turner in this fun series. Highly recommend!
November 7, 2024
Veronica is one of my favourite authors. The characters have so much personality. And imagining the beautiful settings makes this book even better.
May 18, 2025
3,5* really liked
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews